There’s an old Jewish joke I rank in my top ten.
Four women are playing mah jongg. The first says “Oy.” The second says “Oy.” The third says “Oy.”
The fourth says “I thought we weren’t going to be talking about our children.”
I told this joke to Jill, a new friend, over lunch the other day and we shared a good laugh. After we settled back down, she offered me a great gift.
“I attended a retreat for educators, and we were taught that there are only four things you should ever really say to anyone close to you when you feel the urge to help. But there’s a version that’s especially pertinent when it comes to talking to our adult children. Want to hear?”
I was all ears. Here they are:
1. I love you
2. I’m sorry you’re going through this
3. Please forgive me for any part I have (or may have) played in this
4. Thank you for letting me be your mother (father)
Feel free to share this providing proper credit to Carol Orsborn
and a link to CarolOrsborn.com.
